John Boisseau, 37, of Sound Beach was driving the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when he lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road and struck a tree, police said.

Mitchell did not hesitate. He pulled over, called 911, and went over to the burning vehicle to look for the driver.

“He was waving his hand like ‘I’m here, I’m here!’” Mitchell said. “So I grabbed him and his left foot was stuck under the running board of the vehicle. So I gave him a little tug and his leg came loose.”

Why did Mitchell go that extra step when many would not?

“I always felt that if someone’s in distress you should always if possible do your best to help out,” he said.

Mitchell pulled Boisseau away from the vehicle just before it became fully engulfed in flames.

Boisseau was taken to Southside Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police said he turned out to be drunk, and has been charged with driving while intoxicated.